Top Hamas leader assassinated in Iran: Who was Ismail Haniyeh?

Haniyeh's rise from the late 1980s to head of Hamas's political bureau in 2017 was marked by significant events.

In a dramatic turn of events, Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas's top leader, was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, alongside one of his bodyguards. The killing has sparked immediate suspicion, with Israel as a prime suspect following its recent vow to target Hamas leaders. This comes after Hamas's bold attack on Israel on October 7, escalating tensions and putting the international community on high alert.

"All the agreements of normalisation that you (Arab states) signed with (Israel) will not end this conflict," Haniyeh declared on Qatar-based Al Jazeera television shortly after Hamas fighters launched the October 7 raid.
Three of Haniyeh's sons - Hazem, Amir and Mohammad - were killed on April 10 when an Israeli air strike struck the car they were driving, Hamas said. Haniyeh also lost four of his grandchildren, three girls and a boy, in the attack, Hamas said. Haniyeh had denied Israeli assertions that his sons were fighters for the group, and said "the interests of the Palestinian people are placed ahead of everything" when asked if their killing would impact truce talks.

Haniyeh's rise from the late 1980s to head of Hamas's political bureau in 2017 was marked by significant events. Imprisoned by Israel during the First Intifada and exiled in 1992, he returned to Gaza and became a key figure in Hamas. Appointed Palestinian Prime Minister in 2006 by President Mahmoud Abbas, Haniyeh was dismissed in 2007 after a clash with Fatah but continued leading Gaza.

Designated a terrorist by the US Department of State in 2018, Haniyeh's leadership included significant diplomacy and internal conflict. After leaving Gaza in 2017, he was succeeded by Yahya Sinwar, a hardliner.

Here’s a quick look at his life, from refugee camp to renowned leader:

Early Life and Education

Born to a displaced Palestinian family after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Ismail Haniyeh grew up in a refugee camp that shaped his political views. Educated in United Nations-run schools, he graduated from the Islamic University of Gaza in 1987 with a degree in Arabic literature. His active involvement in student politics during university set the stage for his future role in Hamas.

The Rise of a Political Force

Haniyeh's rise within Hamas started with the group’s founding in 1987 during the First Intifada. His close ties to Sheikh Ahmed Yassin accelerated his ascent. Despite multiple arrests and deportations, his resolve remained unshaken. After returning to Gaza in 1993, Haniyeh solidified his position by leading Yassin’s office and navigating the turbulent political landscape of the Second Intifada.

Political Triumphs and Challenges

Haniyeh reached a career-high in 2006 with Hamas’s electoral victory, becoming Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority. His tenure, however, faced international condemnation and aid freezes due to Hamas's policies. Despite being dismissed by PA President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007, Haniyeh continued to govern Gaza, where he navigated economic sanctions, military conflicts, and internal strife. His role in the 2011 prisoner exchange deal was a significant achievement.

Chairman of Hamas Political Bureau

In 2017, Haniyeh was elected chairman of Hamas’s Political Bureau, succeeding Khaled Mashaal. His leadership was pivotal in shaping Hamas's strategies, especially concerning Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Under his guidance, Hamas has worked to maintain its influence while managing complex regional alliances and attempting reconciliation with Fatah, though significant challenges remain.